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Cats Sign Seven to 2009 Class

TUCSON--University of Arizona soccer coach Dan Tobias and staff signed seven players for the 2009 season.

'Even before they have arrived on campus, our 2009 class has shown that they appreciate the privilege of being U of A student-athletes and that they are fully committed to building a National Championship Soccer Program,' said Tobias.

Ariel Boulicault: 'I really like how active Ariel is as she has a very good ball-winning mentality. Combine that with a tremendous work ethic and you can see why we are excited about what she brings to The Wildcat program and our midfield.'

Carly Myers: 'I think Carley adds solid depth to our strikers. She has a great motor, she takes people off the dribble and her work rate is very good. Combine that with the pride of a U of A family lineage and you have a great fit for our program and for Carley.'

Kat Leibbrandt: 'Cat is a very bright person and it shows in her play as a central defender. She has had the unique experience of being at the IMG Academy as she has worked exceptionally hard to improve her game. She brings a great personality to The Wildcats.'

Kirstyn Magyar: 'I always like to have a player that is versatile enough to effectively play multiple positions and Kirstyn certainly suits that role. She is a good, solid player right now and with her commitment to growth, she has tremendous potential which is exciting for our program and of course, for her.'

Karli Hedlund: 'Leadership, presence, toughness and international experience are just a few of the qualities that Karli brings. She also has a calmness that exudes lots of confidence which will serve our Arizona program as well as the center of our defense very well.'

Alex Smith: 'Her story is so much fun to tell because it's true. She came to my camp two years, did very well, was our first verbal commitment and has simply been on a mission ever since. She earned her way into her National Team with Canada by listening to feedback and simply working to make herself and consequently her team, better. She has a determination that fits so nicely into The Wildcat Soccer family.'

Kristin Strother: 'Kristi's background as a multi-sport athlete has been very fun to watch. Now that she is just concentrating on soccer, she will be able to use her considerable explosiveness and athleticism which adds excellent depth to our group of strikers. Given time, she has great potential which is so exciting for The Wildcat Soccer Program.'

'If the character and work ethic I have seen thus far from these student-athletes and their families are any indication, then we are all in for some great things from this 2009 class., Tobias said. 'They all 'get it' and they are so excited to get started. That is definitely the best way to make use of their new opportunity at The U of A. We are thrilled to welcome them here.'

Prep: Four-year letter winner at Pattonville High School in St. Louis, Mo., where she played for head coach Tom Iffrig ... Team captain in 2008 and 2009 ... Second-team All-District selection ... Second-team All-State selection in 2008 ... Model athlete selection in 2007 and 2008 ... Most Valuable Pirate in 2006 and 2007 ... Honor Roll in 2006, 2007 and 2008 ... Citizen Award winner in 2006, 2007 and 2008 ... Led high school to Districts in 2006, 2007 and 2008 ... Played guard for Pattonville basketball her junior season ... Named Best Defender in 2007 ... Club, played Dave Bozdeck with the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Club for one year ... Before that, played nine years for Mike Gavain with the J.B. Marine ... Led J.B. Marine to state finals twice.

Personal: Born Ariel Lee Boulicault on Sept. 20, 1990 in St. Louis, Mo. ... Daughter of Gary and Marianne Boulicault ... Both parents are alums of Southeast Missouri University ... Has one brother, Scott, 21 and four sisters, Abbey, 25, Ashley, 25, Ataley, 20, and Aubrey, 15 ... Enjoys hanging out with friends, going to the movies and watching other sporting events ...Chose Arizona because of the coaches, weather, campus and overall atmosphere ... Career ambition is possibly in the medical field ... Intended major is undecided.

Prep: Played at Harry Ainlay High School in Edmonton, Canada ...2007 Outdoor Provincial Champion ... Three-time Indoor Provincial Champion in 2004, 2006, 2007 ... Played for Alberta Provincial Team from 2005-2007 ... Team captain in 2005 and 2007 ... Team captain of the Alberta Summer Games Team ... Member of U17 Canadian National Team ... 2008 U17 World Cup New Zealand ... Member of the Canadian National Training Program since 2004 ... Club, played for head coach Kevin Poissant with the Edmonton Angels and Edmonton Strikers ... Played for head coach Ross Ongaro for the Edmonton Inter.

Personal: Born Karli Audrey Hedlund on Feb. 10, 1991 in Edmonton, Canada ... Daughter of Ron and Marie Hedlund ... Has one sister, Ashley, 24 and one brother, Brady, 22 ... Enjoys having out with friends and playing soccer ... Chose Arizona because of the coaches, campus and weather ... Intended major is undecided.

Prep: Played at Bayshore High School in Bradenton, Fla. ... Team captain her junior and senior year ... Member of National Honor Society in 2008 and 2009 ... Rutgers University Award for Academic Achievement, Leadership, Dedication and Community services in 2007-2008 ... Captain of the Memphis Hip Hop All-Star Dance Team ... Memphis Hip Hop All-Star Dance Team third at Nationals in 2004 ... Club, played for IMG Soccer Academy U18/19 Girls for head coach Giovanni Fernandes from 2006-2009 ... Started and played Most Consecutive Games for IMG U18/19 Girls team ... IMG Academy Defensive Player of the Year in 2006-2007 ... IMG Academy Mental Conditioning Award in 2007-2008 ... Led club team to 2008 Orange Classic International Soccer Tournament Championship ... 2008 CASL Girls College Showcase Women's U19 Elite Sereno Winner ... 2008 FYSA U18 semi-finalist ... 2007 Orange Classic International semi-finalist ... Three-time CDL Champion in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Personal: Born Catherine Rachel Leibbrandt on Feb. 18, 1991 in San Diego, Calif. ... Daughter of Donald and Leslie Leibbrandt ... Has two sisters, Gabrielle, 20, and Rebecca, 10 ... Cousin Donnie O'Neal played football at Arizona State ... Cousin Michael Skinner played baseball at Harding University, as well as cousin Jay Skinner who played soccer at Harding University ... Enjoying reading, dancing, being outdoors, going to the movies and hanging with family and friends ... Chose Arizona because it is a great university and wants to contribute success to the Wildcat tradition ... Career ambition is to specialize in pediatric oncology to help children and adolescents battle cancer ... Intends to major in Nursing.

Prep: Four-year letter winner at Trabuco Hills High School in Rancho Santa Margartia, Calif., where she played for head coach Sarah Higuerra-Trost ... Team co-captain in 2008-2009 ... Named team's Most Valuable Player win 2008-2009 ... Named Rookie of the Year in 2005-2006 ... Received THHS Varsity Coaches Award in 2006-2007 ... Named THHS Varsity Best Defender in 2007-2008 ... Three-time All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2005, 2006 and 2007 ... Led THHS to the semi-finals of the CIF in 2005-2006 ... Club, played for West Coast Futbol Club for coaches Platini Soaf and Gus Castanada since 2003 ... Club team's team captain from 2003-2009 ... Led team CSL League Cup semi-finals in 2004 and 2005 ... Led team to 2006 Surf Cup semi-finals ... CYSA National Cup finalists GU15 ... West Coast Classic Champions GU16 Premier, CSL League Champions GU16 Premier and 2007 CYSA National Cup Finalist GU16 Premier.

Personal: Born Kirstyn Elizabeth Magyar on Dec. 29, 1990 in Long Beach, Calif. ... Daughter of Michael and Tracey Magyar ... Has four brothers Christopher, 17, Cody, 15, Craig, 14, and Chad, 9 ... Enjoys shopping, going to the beach with friends and eating out ... Chose Arizona because of the great soccer program as well as a pre-nursing major ... Career ambition is be a nurse to help others ... Intends to major in Nursing.

Prep: Four-year letter winner at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Ariz., where she played for head coach Paul Manoogian ... Team captain her senior year ... First-team All-Conference selection as sophomore ... Second-team All-Conference selection as junior ... Selected to OPD Arizona State Team four years ... Selected to Region IV Team in 2008-2009 ... Led team to state runner-ups in 2006 ... Academic Honor Roll & Letter Award all four years ... Two-time Voie Stuart Coy Academic Athlete Award ... Exceeded all Aims Test to qualify for Reagent's Scholarship ... Club, played for Arizona Futbol Club for head coach Bryan Sabato ... Co-captain of club team ... Also participated in Ahwatukee, Tempe and Gilbert soccer clubs since age 8.

Persona: Born Carley Lane Myers on June 6, 1991 in Everett, Wash. ... Daughter of Mel and Tamie Myers ... Has two sisters, Erin, 24, and Macie, 19 ... Cousin Leanna Myers plays softball at Oakland City University ... Cousin Joel Warren plays basketball at Univeristy of Miami ... Enjoys watching movies, traveling, softball, bowling and running ... Chose Arizona by love at first sight, when she saw her older sister attend Arizona from 2003- 2007, younger sister Macie currently attends Arizona ... Career ambition is to be a high school teacher ... Intends to major in Education.

Alex SmithDefenderFreshman, 5-8Calgary, CanadaWestern Canada HS/

Prep: Played soccer at Western Canada High School in Calgary, Canada ... One of two players in class with international experience ... Participated in track and field at Western Canada where she ran the 400, 800, hurdles and 4x400 ... Placed fifth in 400m in Alberta ... Came in third in the 800m track in Calgary ... Led club team to back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008 ... Started right back for Team Canada in the 2008 U-17 Women's World Cup in New Zealand ... Participated in CONCACAF in 2008 for Canada and qualified for the World Cup, coming in third.

Personal: Born Alexandra Bonner Smith on Sept. 24, 1991 in Calgary, Canada ... Daughter of David Smith and Julie Bonner ... Both parents are alums of the University of Waterloo ... Has one brother Taylor, 19 ... Enjoys hanging out with friends , listening to music, skiing, hiking and watching movies ... Chose Arizona because of soccer program and the location ... Intended major is undecided.

Prep: Four-year letter winner at Henry Wise Wood High School in Calgary Alberta Canada, where she played for head coach Scott McKenzie ... Also played two years of volleyball, four years of basketball and three years on track ... Team captain her junior and senior years ... Team Most Valuable Player her junior and senior years ... Played for the All-City Selects, where the top player from each school are chosen to represent their school ... Freshman year received Academic Proficiency and the Gold Medal Award (highest average in class) ... Made honor roll with a 3.9 GPA ... Recognized by the Canadian Soccer Association as Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009 ... Member of the Alberta Soccer Association U-15 Alberta Provincial team winter training program (2005), starter on the ASA U-16 Provincial team (2006-2007) and member of the Canada summer games team (2008-2009) ... Club, played for the Calgary Foothills Colt for head coach Jim McFarlane ... Team complied a 50-1-3 record at city, provincial and national championship play, en route to winning back-to-back- National Soccer Championship, the first time in Canadian Soccer history ... Colts have the finest record in the history of Canadian Youth Soccer ... Team played in 15 National and International tournaments, winning thirteen of them ... Member of Alberta Soccer Association U16 Select team winning Silver at the Canadian National All Stars in 2007 and Gold at the 2007 Western Canada Summer Games.

Personal: Born Kristin Lucy Strother on May 30, 1991 in Calgary Alberta Canada ... Daughter of Ralph and Sue Strother ... Has one sister, Lauren, 19 ... Father played tennis at the University of Texas ... Grandfather, Bob Strother, played basketball at the University of Alberta ... Cousin, Charles Strother, played soccer at McMaster University ... Uncle, Gary Strother, was an All-Canadian soccer goal keeper at McGill University ... Enjoys spending her free time with friends ... Chose Arizona because it's a home away from home since her grandparents have a second home here ... Intends to major in psychology.